The U.S. State Department has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026. This move, first reported by Fox News and confirmed via an internal State Department cable, targets applicants deemed at high risk of becoming a “public charge”—relying on U.S. government benefits.
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The policy intensifies President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, following revocations of over 100,000 visas since his return to office.
Scope of Suspension and Affected Nations
The suspension applies specifically to immigrant visas (for permanent residency), not non-immigrant visas like tourist, business, or student visas—important amid upcoming events such as the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics hosted by the U.S. The 75 countries span Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, the Caribbean, South Asia, and the Balkans.
Notable inclusions are Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine (wait—no, list: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen. Consular officers are directed to refuse pending cases, even if pre-approved but unprinted.
Rationale and Broader Crackdown
The State Department cites data showing nationals from these countries have historically sought public benefits, justifying the pause for reassessing screening and vetting procedures.
A spokesperson emphasized preventing exploitation of U.S. resources, aligning with Trump’s “America First” agenda and prior directives on financial self-sufficiency.
Critics, including immigration experts, argue it effectively bans nearly half of legal immigrants—potentially turning away 315,000 annually—and represents the most restrictive legal immigration policy in U.S. history. This builds on expanded travel bans, asylum pauses, and enforcement surges.